LLLT is dead, long live PBM

In case you missed the memo, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been retired in favour of Photobiomodulation (PBM). Click here to learn more

THOR Training dates and cities:

We study PBM Therapy relentlessly (had you noticed?). We use our knowledge to develop our training, treatments and products. Come see what we have learnt since your last training. Now available with Continuing Medical/Dental Education credits.

What is the difference between the anti-inflammatory effects of PBM Therapy, the healing and the analgesic mechanisms?

Have you thought about treating lymphatics?

Are you de-activating trigger points (and how does that work!)?

How much PBM Therapy is enough, how much is too much?

Joules or J/cm2 - which is the right way to express dose and how is it calculated?

Lasers or LEDs, red or infrared wavelengths, high or low power density, pulsed or continuous?

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The Bottom Line — the major steps forward for PBM treatment of Oral Mucositis

After three presentations and much correspondence over a 5 year period we have a recommendation guideline from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — LLLT for preventing or treating oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This means the NHS can start using our treatment on cancer patients to reduce oral mucositis.

This was a relay race with generations of researchers picking up the baton from earlier pioneers. It was Rene-Jean Bensadoun who twisted my arm to get me to take an interest in the treatment of OM at the 2010 WALT conference in Bergen, Norway. The first OM laser study I know of was in Ciais et al 1992. The first Randomised study was Cowen et al 1997. Rene-Jean Bensadoun published the first multicenter phase III study in 1999 and now there are 170 papers referencing the treatment of oral mucositis with PBM 32 of which are randomised controlled clinical trials.

The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) guidelines 2013 recommend PBM for HSCT patients, Blue Cross Blue Shield reimburse for OM in the United States, and now NICE recommend it's use in the UK. Last year Antunes et al 2017 published a study showing statistically significant improved survival of patients in the active treatment arm of 104 patients followed up to 8 years. Look out for a review from NYU of 32 RCT's being presented at MASCC and WALT later this year. We have a 8x centre NHS health economics study in progress too.

More news in two weeks with a review of research published in February, then every two weeks until we catch up and settle into a monthly stride.